The shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint this allows people to move their arms in various directions that other joints cannot do.   Since the shoulder has a wide range of motion it also comes with a price –  the shoulder is much more susceptible to dislocations and injuries. 

  A dislocated shoulder occurs when a person receives a hard blow or falls awkwardly on the shoulder. The hard blow or awkward fall causes the upper arm bone to be separated from the shoulder blade  socket. It is easy to diagnose a dislocated shoulder as most cases exhibit a deformation of the shoulder area accompanied by pain when attempting to move the arm.

  Usually after a dislocated shoulder a trip to a sports medicine doctor or emergency room should be a priority.  Pain and swelling  usually began to intensify quickly after the injury.  

 The sports medicine doctor will usually reposition the arm back into the shoulder blade socket.  If you are seen in an ER a follow up with a doctor specially trained in sports medicine should be made as soon as possible.  Follow up treatment may consist of anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and for repeat dislocations surgery is sometimes recommended.